Overview

The South Central Washington STEM Network works to:

• Help develop the amazing possibilities for our area’s current educational offerings and future employment growth
• Help break the cycle of poverty by introducing students to STEM careers – a field calling for a skilled workforce with the rewards of jobs that are high demand and pay good wages
• Keep our talent local by building the skills in our young people that will raise academic achievement and support the new and growing businesses that will be needed in the future of South Central Washington’s communities

Programs + Impact

South Central Washington STEM Network hosted the STEM Building at the Central Washington State Fair. Over 60,000 people went through the building which proved to be one of the most exciting attractions of the fair. Families lined up 45 minutes before the building opened to get in – sponsors were lined up for 10 days and over 300 volunteers staffed the building.

In 2017, the South Central Washington STEM Network developed 10 real-world engineering design challenges through the collaborative effort of engineering students, engineering professionals, and 5th grade teachers.  As a result, 5th grade students across South Central Washington will experience engineering as described in the Next Generation Science Standards with classroom support from engineering students and professionals.